Henri Aurrens, born Louis Henri Joseph Aurrens on October 27, 1873, in Marseille, France, was a prominent French painter, illustrator, and caricaturist. He spent his formative years in Marseille, where he developed an early interest in the arts. In his early career, Aurrens moved to Paris, the epicentre of the art world, to further his artistic pursuits. There, he illustrated postcards and created caricatures for various magazines, earning a living while honing his skills. He eventually returned to his hometown of Marseille, where he adopted the Pointillism style, a technique characterized by small, distinct dots of colour to form an image.
Henri Aurrens is best known for his landscape paintings, which often feature the vibrant and atmospheric scenes of Provence. His work "À Montredon" is housed in the Musée Gassendi in Digne-les-Bains, and "Matin de printemps" can be found in the Musée Cantini in Marseille. These works reflect his ability to capture the light and colour of the southern French landscape. Aurrens' work was well-received during his lifetime, and he participated in numerous exhibitions. His contributions to art were recognized in various public collections and exhibitions, making him a respected figure in the post-impressionist movement. Despite his success, much of his work remains lesser-known today, with some pieces housed in public collections and others in private hands. Henri Aurrens lived a life dedicated to art until his death on May 6, 1934, in Marseille. His legacy continues through his paintings, which capture the essence of the French landscape and the evolution of post-impressionist techniques.